Windows 11 24H2 release date set for September 24 (early) and October 8, 2024 (official)

• Microsoft plans to release Windows 11 24H2 on September 24 for early adopters.
• The feature update will be officially available on October 8, 2024, during the Patch Tuesday rollout.
• This version will require a complete reinstallation of the operating system.
• Windows 11 24H2 will include a slew of AI features, a new Sudo command, an archival wizard, Energy Saver, and more.
• Copilot+ PCs have already received version 24H2 on June 18, 2024.

UPDATED 9/17/2024: Microsoft has officially set the release date of Windows 11 24H2 (2024 Update) for September 24, 2024, for seekers who want to upgrade early. On October 8, 2024, the feature update will be publicly available for everyone through Windows Update and the other supported upgrade methods.

It’s important to note that the software giant already made available the Windows 11 2024 Update for Copilot+ PCs on June 18, 2024. This rollout shipped with the core features and changes that these devices require to operate and showcase the new hardware. However, the releases taking place in September and October will allow the upgrade of any computer compatible with the new version of the operating system.

Also, it’s important to note that the company has no plans to launch Windows 12 this year.

Release date

Windows 11 24H2 will officially be available on September 24, 2024, as an optional update for existing devices, but the company will release the feature update publicly on October 8, 2024.

In other words, the official release date of Windows 11 24H2 is October 8, 2024.

The first release date for Windows 11 24H2 was on June 18, 2024, but this release was for existing computers. Instead, it will be available for the new Copilot+ PCs featuring the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite ARM processor.

The company revealed the release date during the announcement for upcoming changes to Copilot. In the announcements, Microsoft notes that the “shift to the Microsoft 365 app as the entry point for Microsoft Copilot will align with the annual Windows 11 feature update release,” referring to version 24H2, and then the date was spotted when the company wrote that the changes “will be rolled out to managed PCs starting with the optional non-security preview release on September 24, 2024, and following with the monthly security update release on October 8 for all supported versions of Windows 11.”

New features

Here is a list of the new features expected to roll out with the release of Windows 11 24H2:

• (Delayed) Windows Recall (AI).
• Windows Studio Effects (AI).
• Live Captions (AI).
• Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR) (AI).
• Voice Clarity (AI).
• Cocreator for Paint (AI).
• Restyle Image for Photos (AI).
• Windows Copilot Runtime.
• Copilot native app (AI).
• Copilot suggestions in apps (AI).
• HDR image support for desktop wallpapers.
• Wi-Fi 7 support with supported hardware.
• Sudo command support on Windows 11 to run elevated commands without opening a new admin window.
• New Energy Saver mode for laptops and computers with batteries.
• Create 7z and TAR files from File Explorer.
• Quick Settings with scrollable settings.
• Share Wi-Fi passwords through QR codes from Settings.
• New Windows Protected Print Mode to set up printers without third-party drivers.
• New pause and rename options in the printer settings.
• Server Massage Block (SMB) protocol receives new changes.
• Updates to the Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS).
• Hearing Aid support enhancements via Bluetooth Low Energy Audio.
• New microphone testing feature that compares audio processing modes for apps.
• Settings app with Color Management settings to change color profiles without using the Control Panel.

The company is also testing an updated interface of the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE) that refreshes the design of the wizard you typically use to install the operating system. However, it’s unclear if this feature could be released even before the next feature update.

You can learn more about the new features and changes in my comprehensive guide for Windows 11 24H2.

Installation

Since this will be a significant update, it’s expected to require complete reinstallation of the operating system, and this won’t be a release like those monthly updates.

Microsoft will make version 24H2 available through the Windows Update settings and provide other methods as well. For example, shortly after the release, the company will update the Media Creation Tool and Installation Assistant to upgrade devices from version 23H2 and older releases to Windows 11 24H2.

The company is also expected to make the ISO file available for download. You can use it to create a bootable media with third-party tools like Rufus or perform an in-place upgrade by mounting it in File Explorer. The ISO file also helps users install Windows 11 on virtual machines.

If you want to upgrade early, you can download and install the latest preview of version 24H2 from the Release Preview Channel. You can also download the ISO file for the latest preview.

What are your thoughts on this new version of the operating system? Let me know in the comments.

Update September 17, 2024: This page has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect the latest information.